Former members of SOPU, PUSU, who joined SOI, with Punjab minister Bikramjit Singh Majithia at PU on Wednesday. (Photo: Kshitij Mohan)

In a major set back to two leading student organisations of Panjab University (PU) — Student Organisation of Panjab University (SOPU) and Panjab University Student Union (PUSU) — 14 leaders from both parties joined the Student Organisation of India (SOI), the student wing of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), in a mega event organised on the campus on Wednesday.

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The new members were welcomed by Punjab Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia, who was chief guest at the event organised to launch SOI’s anti-drug awareness initiative in PU. The event also witnessed a performance by popular Pakistani singer Arif Lohar.

Around nine student leaders from SOPU, led by party president Robin Brar, who was the face of the party in the elections, joined SOI. Others who joined SOI include Rashpal Hakuwaala, Arshnoor Dhillion, Sunny Multani, Karanbir Singh Brar, Sonu Bajwa, Deep Siddhu and Vicky Middukhera.

PUSU also suffered a set back after its president in the previous election, Yadvinder Singh Dhaliwal, along with Simranjit Singh Dhillion, Navreet Singh, Satwant Singh, Ranvir Singh Hungal, Jagwinder Singh Siddhu joined SOI.

Looked upon as two of the oldest student organisations in the varsity, SOPU and PUSU now seem to have weakened with their top brass leaving. Largely consisting of former presidents and chairmen of both parties, the shuffle in membership is likely to play a significant role in the Panjab University Campus Student Elections (PUCSC) this year.